Only You Can Decide

Only You Can Decide

Written by Tommy Shaw
Lead Vocals by Tommy Shaw

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On the lake, waiting for the ice to break

Mindful of the move you make

It's starting to crack

Yesterday feels just like a lifetime away

What did you do and did you say when you had your fun?

Only you can decide your fate

Come on shake it off

You can start a brand new page

Don't be another one your age reaching for a gun

Only you can decide your fate

Only you can decide your fate

You can sweep away the broken glass

But you can't run away from your past

Only you can decide, only you can decide

Only you can decide your fate

Interpretation

Anyone feeling overwhelmed by a significant decision feels the pressure.  Imagine if you are a teenager with confusing hormonal changes messing with your emotions and clouding your judgment, feeling like you've said or done something you regret, or perhaps someone made fun of you in front of your peers and you feel like you will never recover. You are contemplating suicide, feeling like life isn't worth living. It's like standing on a lake knowing the ice will soon break and pull you under. Don't become another statistic, reaching for a gun to end it all. It is possible to recover, not by running away from your past but by putting it behind you and moving forward. Only you can decide your fate.